Director of Business Development

Childers Architect; Bentonville (AR); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Childers Architect in Bentonville, AR seeks a Director of Business Development to lead growth, strengthen client relationships, and pursue opportunities across markets, including tribal nations, healthcare, education, government. This senior leader partners with the executive team to develop strategies, manage RFQ/RFP responses, and build strategic partnerships.

The role expands the firm's presence in multi-office operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in a related field.
• 7–10 years in business development or related leadership roles.
• Proven ability to develop executive relationships and strategic partnerships.
• Experience with RFQ/RFP processes, proposals, and competitive pursuits.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate with executive leadership and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and planning capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic business development and organizational growth initiatives.
• Drive market expansion and opportunity development across markets.
• Oversee proposal development, project pursuit strategy, and client acquisition.
• Align marketing with business development and manage pipeline growth.
• Foster tribal relations, community engagement, and partnerships.
• Collaborate with leadership to ensure forecast accuracy and revenue growth.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Relationship building

RFQ/RFP processes

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent)

Tools

CRM platforms

Microsoft Office

Reporting tools

Job description

Job Description: Director of Business Development

Department: Business Development & Marketing
Location: Bentonville, Arkansas / Multi-Office Operations

Position Summary

Childers Architect is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and relationship-driven Director of Business Development to lead the firm's business growth initiatives, strengthen client relationships, and identify new opportunities across existing and emerging markets.

The Director of Business Development serves as a key member of the firm's leadership team, responsible for developing and executing comprehensive business development strategies that support long-term organizational growth, market positioning, and revenue objectives.

This position requires a forward-thinking leader with a strong understanding of the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, exceptional relationship-building capabilities, and the ability to identify, pursue, and secure meaningful business opportunities.

As a Native American-owned architectural firm, Childers Architect is committed to creating purposeful, culturally responsive environments that serve communities and future generations. The Director of Business Development will champion this mission while expanding the firm's presence within tribal nations, healthcare, education, government, and other strategic markets.

Key Responsibilities

Directly in charge of but not limited to: Strategic Business Development & Organizational Growth, Market Expansion & Opportunity Development, Proposal Development & Project Pursuit Strategy, Business Development & Marketing Leadership, Tribal Relations & Community Engagement, Executive Collaboration & Operational Alignment, Qualified Pipeline Growth, New Client Acquisition, Project Win Rate, Revenue Growth, Client Retention, Market Expansion, Strategic Partnerships, Marketing Alignment, Forecast Accuracy.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in business development, strategic growth, client relations, or related leadership functions.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing successful business growth strategies.
• Strong understanding of the AEC industry, professional services business development, or comparable relationship-driven industries.
• Proven ability to develop executive-level relationships and strategic partnerships.
• Experience with RFQ/RFP processes, proposal strategy, and competitive project pursuits.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with executive leadership and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and strategic planning capabilities.
• Proficiency with CRM platforms, Microsoft Office, and business development reporting tools.
• Ability to travel between firm offices and client meetings, conferences, and industry events as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in architectural or engineering consulting firms.
• Established professional relationships within healthcare, tribal, education, government, or commercial development markets.
• Experience working with tribal nations, tribal enterprises, or Native American-owned organizations.
• Familiarity with public-sector procurement, capital improvement programs, and professional services selection processes.
• Experience managing or providing strategic direction to marketing and business development personnel.
• Demonstrated success in developing new markets and expanding regional business operations.
• Active involvement in AEC industry associations, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, or professional networking groups.

Our Commitment

The Director of Business Development will play a vital role in advancing this commitment by connecting the firm's expertise with opportunities that create lasting value for clients, communities, and the organization.

Childers Architect is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.